When desire crossed paths with reality, and the San Diego Sockers this season moved back to the site where a dynasty was born, Aaron Susi felt like he’d finally come home. And the timing couldn’t have been better.

Susi is 38 years old and pondering the end of his playing career. This would be the season he gunned for a fifth straight Professional Arena Soccer League title – the last four coming with his hometown Sockers.

The Mission Bay High and San Diego State grad was a kid in the stands watching the likes of Juli Veee and Brian Quinn when they packed the Sports Arena (now Valley View Casino Center) in taking 10 championships in an 11-year span. Now Susi could be the one of the field circling that turf with a trophy in his arms.

“It would be awesome to see it come full circle,” Susi, considering the possibility, said with a wide smile.

Two wins on home turf will make that a reality. The Sockers are hosting the PASL’s Final Four in the Ron Newman Cup, with San Diego (15-1) opening at 6:35 p.m. on Sunday against the Las Vegas Legends (13-3). The first game at 4 p.m. Sunday matches Detroit (14-2) against Dallas (13-3).

The semifinal winners will meet in the championship game at 7:35 p.m. on Monday.

Coach and co-owner Phil Salvagio’s Sockers have won every PASL title since the franchise was resurrected three years ago. They are a heavy favorite to take another in front of partisan crowds that are expected to push 5,000 at Valley View. Yet Susi and the boys more than ever have something to prove.

In late January, San Diego had its 48-game winning streak halted in an overtime loss to Dallas, and last weekend the Sockers suffered a second single-goal setback at Detroit in the final of the U.S. Open Cup. So either team they would face in the finals isn’t melting at the sight of a bunch of banners in the rafters.

“It was definitely a wakeup call,” Susi said. “For us to lose a second game is unchartered water for us for a long time. It’s going to renew our focus and make us work hard this week. I guarantee you’ll see a different team come Sunday.”

Sockers forward Kraig Chiles (Poway High, SDSU) earned a third straight league MVP honor with new single-season records for goals (56) and points (72). Brian Farber, who set personal bests for assists (20) and points (46), was named to the second team.

Then there was the notable season produced by Susi, the team captain who notched a career-best 32 assists and 51 points to also make the second team in – note this – his 16th season of playing.

Susi even keeps the franchise running off the field, working in the front office in corporate sales and sponsorship. Not only does he wear the jersey, he finds the supporters to advertise on it.

“I feel like I’ve contributed a lot,” he said. “It’s indoor soccer. It’s a niche sport. A lot of guys have never played indoor before, and after four years they’re still learning. I feel like my leadership is big. I’m a good leader vocally. I try to show that on the field. I think that’s one of my biggest assets.”